Wes Streeting has regained Ilford North with 57.8 per cent of the vote in what was predicted to be one of the tightest election races in London.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The Labour MP increased his majority from just 589 votes in 2015 to 9,450, bagging 30,989 overall when the final result came in just after 5am today (June 9).

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

His Conservative rival and predecessor Lee Scott came in second with 20,950, seeing his share of the vote fall by 3.1 per cent compared with the last General Election.

Liberal Democrat candidate Rich Clare managed 1,034 votes (2 per cent), while 87-year-old independent candidate Doris Osen got 368 (0.7 per cent) – a considerable increase after getting just 87 in 2015.

Speaking to a crowded Redbridge Sports Centre Mr Streeting said: “The terrible things that have happened during this election in London and in Manchester are a reminder that democracy in this country and across the world is precious - but is resilient and will always prevail.

"When I woke up this morning I genuinely thought we might win, but I thought my majority might be hundreds not thousands.

"I am pretty gobsmacked to have finished the day with a majority just shy of 10,000.

“I am very proud and truly honoured to be re-elected to represent the people of Ilford North.”

He congratulated his “long-time foe and political friend” Mr Scott for leading a “good fight” and thanked him for all his years of service to the area.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Mr Scott admitted Mr Streeting “has probably seen me off this time”, but thanked his team for fighting “the hardest campaign they possibly could have”.

He added: “I loved every single day of being an MP.

“It’s not to be that I’ll be one again, but it doesn’t mean I will stop serving the community where I live and that I love.

“We are very lucky to live in Redbridge where we have a community made up of people of all different races, religions, colours, creeds, and sexualities living together.

“You don’t get that everywhere.”

Lib Dem Rich Clare congratulated Mr Streeting, saying: “It’s a privilege to stand here in a place where I grew up.

“But there’s no shame in losing to such a well-run campaign and I wish Wes all the success over the next Parliament.”

He added that while he was planning on a speech to say the Prime Minister had gained her “hard Brexit mandate”, things are not quite as certain for her.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Doris Osen was last to congratulate Mr Streeting, saying: “I know Wes will do his very best for this constituency and for the country.”